A deadly fire at a housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed 44 lives, including a firefighter who died while trying to rescue trapped residents.
The fallen firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, had been preparing to marry his long-time girlfriend next month, turning the tragedy into one that has deeply shaken the city.
As news of Ho’s sacrifice spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, residents and the wider Hong Kong community.
Fiancée shares emotional tribute
His fiancée, who had remained silent since the incident, finally posted an emotional message on social media expressing the depth of her grief.
She thanked the public for their concern but said she needed time away, admitting she was unable to accept the sudden loss.
Calling Ho her “superhero,” she wrote that she is proud of him but needs a short break because the reality is too painful to bear.
He has completed his mission and returned to Krypton,” she wrote.
She ended her message with a heartbreaking wish, that she could hold his hand just one more time.
Her words quickly went viral, with thousands expressing sympathy and offering comfort as she mourns the man she had planned to spend her future with.
Set to marry next month
Ho and his fiancée had been together for more than ten years and were set to marry next month.
A photo on his Instagram has now gone viral after the tragedy, showing him in uniform holding his fiancée in his arms. The playful caption — “I’ll still say ‘Love U’ a hundred times” — has taken on a deeply heartbreaking meaning.
According to The Paper, Ho was deployed at 3.01pm to help battle the Wang Fuk Court blaze. Less than 30 minutes after entering the burning building, the command centre lost contact with him, prompting an urgent search.
At 4.01pm, his colleagues found him collapsed with severe burns near the lift lobby. He was rushed to hospital, but despite emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries at 4.45pm.
